Manchester United centre-back Chris Smalling has targeted a strong start from the club's tricky first few games of the 2013-14 season.

Smalling said that if United can get results against the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City early on it would give them a big advantage over their rivals.

"We've got some big fixtures at the start of the season but if we can put on some really good performances and pick up a few points it's going to give us a big boost and set us apart from our rivals," he told the club's official website.

"In one sense it is good to get them out of the way. The Swansea game has been in our minds for a while. Going into the season as champions brings an expectation.

"We're seen as the best but we know we need to show it but we're firing and ready to go. We can't wait for that first whistle."

Smalling joined United from Fulham in 2010.

Written by
Matt Domm